Protesters were peacefully assembled outside a barricade in downtown Dallas near the site of the official commemoration of JFK.

The barricades were opened and almost out of nowhere, Sheriff’s deputies marched through and forcefully pushed protesters back, with several being violently assaulted, including radio host Alex Jones who was punched in the stomach.

One of the victims of the violence was a father with his young daughter on his shoulders. The girl began crying, but was pulled to safety by her mother.

The police were working on behalf of the Sheriff’s department and also appeared to have been coordinated by the Department of Homeland Security.

Regular Dallas police who appeared largely friendly before the incident began seemed surprised when the black-clad Sheriff’s cops arrived to instigate the violence.

Protesters chanted “shame on you” and began to push back against the police who then held their line.

The activists had been assured, under threat of lawsuit, that they would be given access to the area beyond the barricades after the official ceremony was over.

Alex Jones immediately vowed to file lawsuits against both Dallas authorities and individual police officers who took part in the assault.

Protesters had gathered at the site to peacefully demonstrate against an order by Mayor Mike Rawlings to target individuals who handed out fliers or displayed signs in the area.